Trains back up and running today following a day of chaos on the West Coast Main Line

Picture via National Rail

Published:10:56Wednesday 06 April 2016

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National Rail worked throughout the night to fix the damaged overhead wires on the West Coast main line yesterday.

All train lines are back up and running this morning after passengers were faced with long delays yesterday.

More than 100 metres of overhead wires, which power electric trains, came down at 6.30am on Tuesday on the West Coast Main Line near Birmingham International station.

Network Rail described it as a ‘big job’ to repair and said the cause of the damage had not been confirmed.

Passengers took to social media after getting stuck at stations along the line as far afield as Edinburgh, North Wales and Southampton.

Russ Barnes said: “I was travelling back from London Euston and every train going to Northampton was cancelled. Ended up having to get a Virgin Train to MK Central and the ask a friend to pick us up from the station back to Northampton. We were coming back from a short break after our wedding.”

Euston station earlier today

Pete Riley said: “Got caught in this in the morning. Paid £8.80 in parking fees only to be told trains to Birmingham were cancelled when I got to the station! Trying to claim back parking fees...what do you think my chances are?”

Michelle Louise Marson said: “It’s been a nightmare.”

Jason Dowzell said: “Two days on the trot. It hasn’t been fun.”

At 3.30am this morning (Wednesday) @networkrail tweeted: “#BirminghamInt All lines are open. Apologies if you have been affected. Please check @nationalrailenq for service information.”

All the major train companies pulled together to take each other’s passengers to ease the pressure.

Visit www.londonmidland.com for more information about ticket refunds.